Methods for Selecting a Pet-Appropriate Product

Abstract

The present invention provides methods for selecting pet-appropriate products such as pest control products by enabling the contents of an animal product package to be distinguished from another animal product package. The methods comprise providing an animal product package, wherein the animal product package is shaped characteristically of the animal, and enabling the contents of the package to be distinguished based upon the characteristic shape. As a result, the methods of the present invention advantageously reduce consumer confusion and error when choosing products for their pets which may cause harm or death if intended for use on another species.

1 . A method for enabling the contents of an animal product package to be distinguished from another animal product package, said method comprising: 
 providing an animal product package, wherein said animal product package is shaped characteristically of said animal; and    enabling the contents of said package to be distinguished based upon said characteristic shape.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said animal product package is shaped characteristically of an animal selected from the group consisting of a dog, a cat, a horse, a rabbit, a guinea pig, a hamster, a gerbil, a ferret, a bird, and a mouse.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said animal product package is shaped characteristically of a dog.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said characteristic shape is a bone.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said characteristic shape is a dog's face.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said characteristic shape of said animal product package enables distinguishing a dog product from a cat product.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said animal product package is shaped characteristically of a cat.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said characteristic shape is a cat's face.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said characteristic shape of said animal product package enables distinguishing a cat product from a dog product.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said animal product package is shaped characteristically of a horse.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said characteristic shape is a horseshoe.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said characteristic shape is a horse's face.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said animal product is a member selected from a group consisting of a pesticide, a food or feed, a grooming product, a supplement, a drug or pharmaceutical, an animal health care product, and a give-away item.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said animal product is a pesticide.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein said pesticide is an insecticide.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said insecticide is an insect growth regulator or an adulticide.